As 2019 draws to a close, we've rounded up some of the best gigs, events and spectacles to take place over the last ten years.
1. Beyoncé, Stadium of Light, June 2016
Who runs the world? Beyoncé, seemingly when she performed to sold-out crowd of 52,000 at the Stadium of Light to kick off the European leg of her Formation world tour. Though she arrived on stage 45 minutes after her approximate arrival time, she put on a two hour extravaganza which showcased tracks from her latest album Lemonade, alongside crowd favourites such as Crazy in Love, Run the World and the Destiny’s Child classic, Survivor. Photo: Submitted
2. Royal Visit, Fire Station, February 2018
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge charmed the crowds when they visited Sunderland in February 2018. They officially opened Sunderland's Fire Station arts centre, a flagship venue in the cultural regeneration of the city, as well as the new Northern Spire bridge. Photo: JPI Media
3. Cirque Bijou River Wear tight rope, July 2018
In July 2018, thousands of people lined the River Wear to see daredevil performers Chris Bullzini and fellow artist Johanne Humblet from Cirque Bijou traverse the River Wear on a tight rope - with no safety net - as part of the artistic programme for the Tall Ships Races. It was an incredible spectacle which culminated in a dazzling firework display which appeared as a waterfall from the bridge. Photo: JPI Media
4. War Horse, Sunderland Empire, 2014 and 2019
The decade saw Sunderland Empire bring huge West End shows to the region. One of the most moving was War Horse which galloped to the city in 2014 and 2019, where it became one of the best-selling shows at the venue. The stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s story of courage, loyalty and friendship between a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey is set amidst the horrors of WW1. In 2018, the puppet met with landmark Seaham statue, Tommy for this striking shot. Photo: Stu Norton